Chapter 2

7

We were in the same bed, but the Milky Way might as well have run between us.

I lay so close to the edge I was almost falling off, too tense to move.

I'd never shared a bed with a man before. And this was the man I'd secretly loved for years...

My thoughts were such a tangle that it was very late before I fell asleep.

When I opened my eyes, the first thing I saw was Shi Yi's handsome face, far too close.

Only then did I realize I was sprawled on top of him.

One of my hands had even found its way under his thin pajamas...

But we'd been so far apart when we went to sleep!

Had I mistaken him for my body pillow?

Help.

Before he could wake up, I scrambled out of bed, pressed my hands to my burning face and fled the scene of the crime.

Unable to face him, I went for a walk.

When I finally felt tired and decided to go home, I discovered I'd been walking for an hour.

I was astonished.

With my health, I'd never have managed that before.

Come to think of it, I'd felt much lighter than usual ever since waking up...

8

Fortunately, I didn't end up clinging to Shi Yi in my sleep again over the following days.

He went to work during the day. I sat at my computer and worked on designs.

Since taking over the company, he'd become terribly busy, often not coming home until late at night.

I went to bed early because of my health.

Much of the time, we were like strangers who happened to share a bed.

One night, I was fast asleep when I suddenly felt as though a hand had closed around my throat. I couldn't breathe at all.

I jolted awake and sat up, gasping.

Beside me, Shi Yi woke and hurriedly turned on the light.

"What's wrong?"

I shook my head and managed to say, "N-Nothing."

But I couldn't look at him.

I'd known I might have an attack in front of him someday. I just hadn't expected it so soon.

He was already seeing me at my most helpless.

I struggled for breath, tears gathering in my eyes.

Before the wedding, Mom had told Shi Yi he didn't need to do anything when I had an attack. It would pass on its own after about half an hour.

But he didn't leave me alone.

He reached out to feel my forehead. The moment his skin touched mine, a cool sensation washed through me.

I craved it.

Finding my temperature normal, he was about to take his hand away. I caught it at once.

The sensation intensified.

It felt as though something I desperately needed was flowing from his hand into my body.

After so long at the mercy of my illness, I'd never felt such relief.

It was so good I lost all reason.

Instinctively, I reached for more.

By the time my head began to clear, I'd stripped Shi Yi of his clothes and we were holding each other tightly.

My mind told me to pull away immediately.

My body clung to him harder.

"S-Sorry. Just let me rub against you for a bit. Just a little."

I nuzzled his chest, unwilling to waste any of that energy.

His breathing grew noticeably heavier.

Surprised, I looked up—and met dark eyes struggling to hold back desire.

For a moment, I panicked. Then I remembered he couldn't have children, and all I felt was compassion.

"It's all right. Even if you can't... I don't mind. I..."

The confession hovered on my lips. I couldn't get it out.

All I could do was repeat, "Just a little. I'll be fine in a minute."

Shi Yi gave a laugh that sounded more exasperated than amused. He rolled me beneath him, his voice low.

"How could a little rubbing be enough? Would you like to... go further?"

9

Before I could react, he kissed me.

A tingling sensation spread from my lips through my whole body. I didn't resist. If anything, I felt a little anticipation.

Perhaps my instinctive response encouraged him. His kiss suddenly grew fiercer, more demanding.

He didn't let me go until I was almost out of breath.

Then his lips began to travel lower.

I opened my mouth for air, slowly struggling out of my daze. As he was about to continue, I pressed a hand to his chest.

"Don't..."

It came out as a plea.

Shi Yi stopped. Then, fighting to restrain himself, he gritted his teeth and got up to go to the bathroom.

The water ran and ran.

I curled beneath the covers, my thoughts in knots.

I knew what he'd meant by going further.

But he couldn't do that. I didn't want him to force himself to satisfy me and end up getting hurt.

It was my fault. I'd wanted that cool sensation too badly.

Shi Yi was a normal man. Of course he'd have a normal man's reactions and needs.

After his shower, he got back under the covers and switched off the light.

I wanted to apologize. But however I put it, bringing up the subject felt like another blow to his pride.

In the end, I said nothing.

I got up deliberately early, intending to make breakfast as an apology.

He'd been up earlier still.

By the time I left the bedroom, he'd gone out.

Breakfast was waiting on the table.

Still warm. Just right to eat.

Lately, whoever woke first had been making breakfast.

I couldn't help smiling as I ate.

Living under the same roof as the man I'd loved for more than ten years really was wonderful.

After breakfast, I went for another walk.

This time I managed two hours!

So I hadn't imagined it last night.

Physical contact with Shi Yi really could make me healthier.

Along with my delight came memories of how close we'd been.

My cheeks flushed.

Did this mean I'd have to rub myself against him every night?

10

Just then, Li Yao called.

"An Ran, there's a university class reunion tonight. Come with me?"

I didn't like crowds.

I hadn't been close to most of our classmates either, so I was about to refuse.

She immediately began to wheedle.

"You know how I feel about our class president. Please come. I'll be too embarrassed without you."

I couldn't say no to that.

"All right. I'll go."

"I'll drive over and pick you up later."

"Um... I've moved. Let's meet at the hotel."

I still hadn't told her I was married. I hadn't known how to bring it up.

"You moved?"

"Mm. I'll explain when I see you."

We met outside the hotel. I was just about to tell her about my whirlwind marriage to Shi Yi when her eyes lit up.

"The class president! Come on, let's go over!"

I tactfully dropped back to let her talk to him.

When we entered the banquet room, everyone was gathered around Xu Qin, our old class beauty.

"Wow, Qinqin! That diamond's huge! Did your boyfriend propose?"

"Oh, I didn't want him buying such a big one. But he insisted on making a fuss. Honestly, what am I supposed to do with him?"

She smiled as she answered, but her gaze was on me.

"An Ran! You're here. Do you have a boyfriend yet?"

The moment she opened her mouth, I knew she meant trouble.

Back at university, an older student she'd liked had taken an interest in me instead. She'd been targeting me ever since.

I honestly had no words.

Before I could answer, she went on with a laugh.

"Oh, I forgot. You're so sickly. I suppose nobody would dare take you on?"

Her pointed remark froze the atmosphere in the room.

Li Yao, who'd been gazing adoringly at the class president, darkened at once. She put her hands on her hips, ready to take Xu Qin to task.

I stopped her and looked at Xu Qin.

"I don't have a boyfriend. I have a husband."

11

The room erupted.

"What? Already?"

Everyone exclaimed in surprise.

We'd only graduated a year ago. With my health, they'd all assumed I'd struggle to marry at all.

Nobody had expected me to be the first.

Li Yao looked stunned. She leaned close and whispered in my ear.

"Are you actually married, or are you making it up?"

"It's real."

"To who?"

"Shi Yi."

Just saying his name made my cheeks heat.

Li Yao's eyes went round.

Perhaps Xu Qin misread her reaction. Her own surprise quickly turned to contempt.

"I don't believe you."

"Then don't."

That silenced her for a moment. Then she said, "How about this? My boyfriend's coming to pick me up later. Ask your husband to come too. Then we can all see whether you're telling the truth."

I hesitated.

Shi Yi was busy. He often worked late into the night.

I didn't want to waste his time on something so pointless.

I was about to refuse when Li Yao cut in.

"Fine! He'll come. Then a blind, stuck-up snob like you can see just how impressive An Ran's husband is."

She lowered her voice.

"We'll talk later about you getting married without telling me. Right now, you are putting on a show for that bitch. Got it?"

So, when everyone sat down to eat, I messaged Shi Yi.

"I'm out having dinner with my university classmates tonight. Could you pick me up afterward?"

After a moment's thought, I started to add, "It's fine if you're too busy."

Before I could send it, his reply came.

"Sure."

One simple word, and I was happy.

12

Xu Qin's boyfriend arrived in an entry-level Porsche.

He was a little old, a little short and a little thin on top, but everyone still took turns envying her.

She basked in their flattery, all the while shooting disdainful looks at me.

"An Ran, where's your husband? You weren't lying to us, were you? Or is he someone you can't bear to show off?"

A Rolls-Royce pulled up right in front of me.

Shi Yi stepped out. First he took my hand, then he introduced himself.

"Hello, everyone. I'm An Ran's husband."

His hand was broad.

As he held mine, I felt that cool sensation flowing into me. My palm was sweating with nerves.

Every eye turned to him.

His handsome face, his height, the elegance in every movement...

Wherever Shi Yi went, he stood out.

"Are you Shi Yi? From our university?"

One of the girls recognized him and cried out in surprise.

We'd attended the same university. Though he'd been five years ahead of us, his name still came up every year when students voted for the best-looking man and woman on campus.

Shi Yi smiled and nodded.

Li Yao gave Xu Qin a triumphant look.

"Well? An Ran's husband isn't exactly second to your boyfriend, is he?"

Xu Qin's face darkened, envy seething in her eyes.

Then she seemed to think of something.

And smiled.